Creativity takes courage.
Henri Matisse
A few years ago, Daughter was offered the job of a lifetime. No, it doesn’t make a ton of money nor does it carry with it a load of fame. But the people she has met, the friendships she has made, the expansion of soul from a myriad of off-the-beaten-path experiences has been priceless. Life-changing!
And I’m talking priceless and life-changing for ME, and likely her as well.
Springville Center for the Arts (SCA) is a rural multi-arts center established as a grassroots collaborative venture between a long-standing community theater group and a network of fine artists in 1998.
She is an integral part of this collaberation of artists, spearheaded by Seth (who I just refer to as TallManWhoAlwaysWearBlack.) His vision and passion melt together and create wild, risky space for artists and aficionados alike.
Daughter is the artist; I am the fan.
Among so many great works that we’ve been privileged to attend, bootleg.soiree with The Lowlies was one of the very best. (Full disclosure: I say that about every single gathering.) But it’s absolutely true. The passion and artistry, creativity and no-holds-barred, outside-of-the-box offerings are nothing short of genuis.
Priceless and life-changing!
Delevan, New York is a tiny place with a big energy. Last night, hundreds of us gathered to hear the band, peruse the old building which has housed Kendor Music since 1953, and appreciate the unique installations:
- “vending machine” that offered art-by-order with cheekiness (one of my faves!)
- “word play” – a make-your-own-sentence poetry via velcro
- “table tree” with invitations to copy-by-box art
- lanterns, light table, fibert art, peephole
- “wheatpastes” in which you peeled an outer picture to reveal the picture underneath
- “bus stop” (pictures above) which was super eerie but way cool
The coordination of the evening and the love and passion of every single volunteer was beyond Beyond. The vibes were so big, the fun so high, the cookies so yummy. 😉
There’s something magical, mystical that happens when we gather together… and more so when the camaraderie includes a community of artists sharing their creativity and passion. There is healing, connection, laughter, transformation that happens in the presence of such Love, Light, and Life as this.
Priceless and life-changing!
Public art is not an extra. It is a necessary part of a thriving community. Art IS community.
Thank you to Seth, Alisia, Max, The Lowlies, and all the many, many other helpers and visionaries here, there, and everywhere. You are courageous indeed.
All together, we are making life more interesting, buildings more beautiful, souls more alive, hearts afire; we are broadening horizons, spanning generations, crossing lines, opening eyes; we are losing ourselves in artistry and finding ourselves in each other; we are creating a kinder world.
Priceless and life-changing!
If today, you find yourself out of sorts, consider going to a museum, a concert, reading a book, buying a paint-by-number kit, dancing, or getting out your high school instrument and seeing what you remember… in a world where the logical mind is lauded, let us allow the creative mind to come on out and play… and here’s a hug.
Edge-y, joyful, pondering…
Lisa
Licensed Sound Therapist
Certified Mind-Body Coach
If you like these ponderings, please check out my 30-day journals. They’re just perfect for someone like you. 🙂 Downloadable pdfs on a variety of topics. Sure to encourage, inspire, motivate, and create meaningful ponderings. ❤
Writing Every Day Down 